Arlyne Reichert, the oldest living delegate to Montana’s 1972 Constitutional Convention, died in Great Falls on May 3, 2024, at the age 98. Born to Ann and Charles Cohn on January 14,1926, Arlyne was raised in Buffalo, New York where, in 1942, she met Harold “Rick” Reichert at a Christmas Day USO dance party. Rick, a Montana farm boy, was in the Army Air Corps. Rick’s military service brought him back to Montana. Arlyne and Rick were married in Great Falls on September 4,1945.
Arlyne spent two decades raising her five children, while being active in the PTA, League of Women Voters, Hadassah, The Great Falls Public Library, and as one of the founders of local Public Radio. After his military service, Rick was a mechanic, Great Falls firefighter, and talented carpenter who built the family home where Arlyne lived for more than 76 years. Rick died of cancer in 1968. To support her family, Arlyne went to work as a secretary at the McLaughlin Research Institute (MRI), where she retired in 1988 as Assistant Director.
In 1972 Arlyne was one of 100 elected delegates to write Montana’s Constitution. She maintained great pride in that document throughout her long life. Arlyne was also a legislative reporter for local television stations, served in the Montana Legislature, and spearheaded the statewide initiative for Montana to adopt a one house ‘unicameral’ legislature.
Arlyne was the recipient of prestigious awards. She brought a bright smile, tremendous energy, leadership, inspiration, creativity, compassion and an optimistic attitude.
In 1994, Arlyne mobilized a community of supporters to save the Tenth Street Bridge from imminent demolition. She led efforts to raise millions of dollars for the Bridge’s restoration. It truly was a labor of love that required thirty years of daily effort. Arlyne crossed life’s last bridge peacefully, knowing her namesake bridge is safely in the hands of a new generation of supporters.
Arlyne is survived by her children Cheryl (Charles Bocock) Reichert; Greg Reichert; Robert (Beth) Reichert, Claire (Tom) Baiz and eight grandchildren: Scott (Melissa); Cari; Mara (Martin); Samantha (Lukas); Asa; Shad (Tammy); Elaine (Aditya); Elizabeth and five great-grandchildren: Riley (Emily), Ryan, Grace, Sophia, and Theo. Arlyne was preceded in death by her brother Gary (Debby) Cohn, and son Roger (Valerie) Reichert.
At Arlyne’s request, there will be a community-wide celebration of her life at the south end of the Historic ARCH Bridge at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 21, 2024.